The Cincinnati Bengals have released veteran linebacker Germaine Pratt, the team announced on Tuesday.
NFL Network first reported Pratt's release on Monday, the eve of mandatory minicamps starting around the NFL.
The move gives the Bengals $5.6 million in salary cap savings.
Pratt, who was going into the final season of a three-year contract, was one of the longest-tenured Bengals and a team captain, but requested a trade during the off-season. He was a third-round pick in 2019 and started 88 games over six seasons.
He was ninth in the NFL last season with 143 tackles, including two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions.
Cincinnati has had plenty of questions about the defence during the off-season. It hired Al Golden as coordinator while defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who led the league in sacks last season, has been involved in his own contract dispute.
“I’m very appreciative of what Germaine has done for our team over the last six years," head coach Zac Taylor said in a statement. "He has been a part of plays and wins that will be remembered forever by Bengals fans. I will always pull for Germaine and I wish him the best moving forward.”
COMMENTS
When submitting content, please abide by our submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.